TUNES: Uncovered

Big Star was an influential band back in the 70's and a big part of the sound was Chris Bell's songwriting and guitar style. I Am The Cosmos, off Chris' 1978 album, is a clear indication he was an integral part of Big Star. Gone too soon at 27, Chris' musical legacy is intact and still gaining fans and listeners worldwide. Listen as we discuss the lasting impact from this Memphis band.

Way back in the mid 80's the music scene in and around Memphis was at its peak. Local venues had top tier talent just about any night of the week. Our 3rd in a series of Memphis bands, this week's show takes on Jimmy Davis & Junction's Catch My Heart. Off the 1987 album Kick The Wall this lead-off song told you what you could expect from the band. Solid straight ahead 80's style rock and roll.

In our second installment of Memphis Musicians we bring you, The Hombres. You may not remember their name but I bet you remember their one-hit wonder, Let It Out (Let It All Hang Out). This 1967 hit (yes it was) was all over Memphis radio and beyond. A short lived group made up of Memphis musicians got together and penned what we now call an 'earworm'. This one will be hard to get out of your head. Embrace the craziness that is Let It All Hang Out!

From The Debuts to Target, Cobra, and Survivor, Jimi's voice has been on a radio near you for more than four decades. His distinctive style and range was hard to miss and we're happy we were around to hear it. Jimi sang on hit after hit for Survivor and found time to write and sing for both movies and TV. A Memphian through and through he rose to fame throughout the world. Everybody's Got A Broken Heart kicks off the first of a four part series on Memphis musicians.

Another in our series of songs from albums released 50 years ago. Paul McCartney is a songwriter's songwriter. If we only had the songs from the Beatles albums, that would be enough to enshrine him in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. But luckily we also have his solo work, and his work with Wings. This episode looks at one of his least played (I'm assuming) songs, Picasso's Last Words. Listen as Carey tells how this song came to be and some interesting tidbits you won't hear on any other podcast!

Lennon & McCartney, Frey & Henley, and Dozier & Holland all wrote songs together that would fill a few days worth of airplay. Another very successful duo was that of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the two writers of today's song Grey Seal. From the swirling piano to the almost classical interludes, this song rocks. Elton's 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road sold over 31 million copies worldwide! Needless to say this was a landmark year and an album which we will be listening to for years to come.

Not a lot of bands in the 70's thought "you know what would sound good in a rock band? A string quartet!" But Jeff Lynne did, and boy was he right. Their sound was like no other band before or since. Their third album, On The Third Day, gave us this episode's uncovered tune, Showdown. A great hook and twists and turns made up a wonderful song from our "Albums That are 50 Years Old" series.

The first in a 4-part series on albums released 50 years ago. Jackson Browne's 1973 album For Everyman began side one with Take It Easy, a song co-written with Glenn Frey and a massive hit for the Eagles. Jackson closed side one with These Days, a poignant song of loss and regret penned when he was just 16 years old. A reflective and melancholy track but a wonderful song nonetheless.

With a last name like Lennon you better be able to deliver the goods when it comes to songwriting. Julian's debut album answered the call admirably. In constant rotation on MTV and a decent chart position, John Lennon's first son did well for himself. Join us as we discuss all things Lennon.

The American band The Call had a unique sound, and especially in the case of Let The Day Begin, had an uplifting message. Released in 1989 the album by the same name had great material and a fun new sound for the time. Too many late 80's bands aren't together any longer and The Call is no exception. Listen as Carey & Mark discuss one of the time period's best bands not enough people have heard of.

If you're familiar with Beck you know he defies categorization. From an obscure career to a Grammy winning artist and producer he's his own man. I Think I'm In Love is off of his 2006 album The Information. Warning: it's an earworm!

The 80's were the decade of the pop superstars, and they didn't get much bigger than George Michael. From his time with Wham! to his solo work and several successful duo hits, he ruled the charts for quite some time. A Different Corner wasn't as upbeat as his other releases but a spectacular song in its own right. Take a listen as we talk lyrics, albums, and more for this mid-80's classic.

When I hear the name Billy Joel I immediately think of a long successful career made up of hit albums after hit albums. Billy changed with the times and sometimes went the opposite direction of what was popular at the time. No matter whether he was following the trends or bucking them, the outcome was always the same - hit songs and a loyal following. We discuss one of his signature songs (no, not that one) off his 1978 album, the title track The Stranger. Wet your whistle and sing along!

Charlie Sexton has been a mainstay in the Austin Texas music scene for more than 4 decades. His 1995 album Under The Wishing Tree didn't get much airplay but the songs are well crafted and beautifully written. Charlie co-founded the Arc Angels and later in his career he's been the musical director and guitarist in Bob Dylan's band. Everyone Will Crawl is one of his more commercial songs although it's time on the radio was very short. Listen as Carey and Mark discuss this hidden gem.

Flood, off Jars of Clay's debut 1995 album, didn't sound like the other tracks on the album but it was a certified hit. Reaching the top 40 on the charts, this song is one of our favorites. Listen in as Carey & Mark talk about the song and just what is a "Christian" band? 

John's biggest hit was Missing You, released on his 2nd solo album way back in 1984. More than a decade later John's still going strong and our song today is off his 1995 release Temple Bar, and the song is Downtown. An introspective tune with sparse instrumentation, it's nevertheless an amazing song with a certain quiet feel. As one of the show's favorite artists it was a joy to bring this one to life. And as always there is a Memphis story!

If you lived in Canada in the early 80's this band was all over your airwaves. Chilliwack was not only a town but a pop/rock band. You've heard other songs by this band, namely Whatcha Gonna Do, on various yacht rock stations. Today's song is I Believe, one of their more introspective tunes. Put your suntan lotion on and think about sunnier days as Carey and Mark discuss this mid-80's radio staple. 

One of the early 90's super groups, Mr Big burst on the scene with their debut self titled album Mr Big. Their second album Lean Into It had arguably one of the biggest hits of that decade with To Be With You. That album was jam-packed (see what I did there) with great songs and this one was no exception. Written using a warmup exercise by Paul Gilbert, this uncovered tune is one of our favorites. Listen as we discuss all things Mr Big's Green Tinted Sixties Mind. 

You may not know the name but you have certainly heard the music this guy produced, engineered or released. The Alan Parsons Project was Alan's other outlet for music and they released a few great albums and arena shaking songs along the way. I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You is just one example of Alan's producing and recording prowess. Not sure where you've heard the name before? Listen as Carey and Mark discuss Alan's work at Abbey Road and more. 

2022! What a year! We take a look back over the year's past episodes and talk a little about the future. We hope you've enjoyed the songs we've uncovered this past year and hope you'll join us for 2023!

The last episode of 2022! Carey and Mark discuss one of the shortest pop songs with Del Amitri's Roll To Me, a quick little tune clocking in at 2:12. The band is still rocking in 2022 and continue to release albums and tour. Originally from Glasgow Scotland the band has released seven studio albums including Twisted, where this little diddy hit the charts in 1995 & 96. 

The early 70's were full of great rock and roll songs and this episode features one of those by Mott The Hoople. From the boogie woogie piano beginning to the sax solo and beyond it's a classic of the glam rock era. Join Carey & Mark and their special guest, Marty Hopkins, as we discuss another uncovered tune with a Memphis connection!

Elton John had many many radio hits, these two songs were not necessarily two of them. But two great songs nonetheless. Written to be played back to back these masterpieces set a certain mood and take the listener through several 'sound scenes' throughout the 11 minute double track. Put on the headphones, pick a comfy chair and sit back and enjoy this magnum opus from 1973's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. 

Waaaay back in 1976 Boz Scaggs released his 7th solo album and boy was it a hit. Spending more than 2 years on Billboard's Top 200 Silk Degrees was a career defining album. This uncovered tune was played a handful of times on your local radio station but I bet it's been a while since you've heard it. Harbor Lights evokes a serene ocean view and was one of the best songs on a album with a bunch of best songs. 

John Mayer burst on the scene back in 2002 with that summer's biggest hit "No Such Thing", but he was far from done writing clever and catchy tunes. John's 3rd studio album Continuum released in 2006 had this episode's featured song, Gravity. Understated and beautiful guitar work coupled with thoughtful lyrics make this one a pleasure to listen to on repeat. Join Carey and Mark as they explain why this is on their often repeated playlists.

At Tunes: Uncovered we love us some Memphis music and in the late 70's Memphis' own Southern Creed ruled the southern rock scene. Led by Steve Ingle they released their self titled album Creed in 1978. With hits like Time and Time Again and our spotlighted song Firecracker, they were a force to be reckoned with. If you weren't listening to the Memphis airwaves in 78/79 you probably missed this one. Take a listen as we discuss the band and the album on the latest episode. 

We at Tunes: Uncovered love us some Memphis music and this episode spotlights one of Memphis' most influential bands, Big Star. If you were around in the mid 70's you certainly heard this one on the radio, but catching them live was hard to do. We discuss the band, the studio and more that made this catchy radio friendly song such a joy to listen to. 

Johnny Van Zant is well known as the front man for his brother's band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Johnny joined in 1987 as the band reformed after Ronnie's passing in the tragic plane crash. But did you know that he had his own band and released several albums in the early 80's? This episode is all about his 1983 song It's You, a guitar driven tune that is sure to have you listening on repeat. 

As one half of Steely Dan, Donald Fagen has written some of the catchiest songs you're likely to hear. His debut solo album The Nightfly was no exception. With all the hallmarks of a great song, clever lyrics, great production, and a compelling storyline, add up to a great tune. Listen as we break the song down and explain just what 'New Frontier' he was singing about. 

It's rare that a long tenured band escapes our notice but FM certainly did. The band was founded in London back in 1984 and has been releasing quality albums for more than 30 years. Tight harmonies, talented musicians and well crafted songs are what you'll get when you listen to any of FM's 13 studio albums. This song will have you humming it long after you hear it. You're welcome!

When most people think of Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder they think Ebony and Ivory. But did you know there was another collaboration between the two powerhouse performers? Off 1982's Tug of War comes a fun-filled duet sure to make you think about skating rinks and simpler times. Listen as Carey and Mark discuss this often missed but Grammy nominated track!

Sister Hazel was all over the radio, film soundtracks and concert venues in the mid 90's. Their unique Gainesville sound coupled with clever and catchy songwriting makes their songs relevant and enjoyable up to this day. And as usual there is a Memphis connection. Listen and Carey & Mark walk through this wonderful sing-along song. 

Perennial fan favorites, The Avett Brothers, are known for their innovation and wide ranging catalog. I Wish I Was (apologies to the grammar police!) is one of their best. This stripped down song has it all, clever lyrics, great harmonies and a banjo! Listen we Carey & Mark walk through this gem. 

You may not remember Danny Wilde but you certainly have heard his voice. He was one half of the Rembrandts who had the very popular hit "I'll Be There For You" which was the theme song for a little show called "Friends". Danny also had a successful solo career and is the focus of this episode. It's a great driving song but any tickets you get for speeding are on you!

And honestly don't we all like to rock? 1980 was a watershed year for rock with a new sound and a new attitude. Canada's April Wine was, and still is, a pure rocking band with multiple guitars and tight vocals. Stick around to hear the special ending and Carey's interpretation of the Beatles, Rolling Stones and more..too much fun!

If you like well crafted songs and superb musicianship, you will love this episode. Toy Matinee only released one album but what an album it was. Seasoned studio musicians who have played on 100's of albums put together a supergroup which released 2 top 25 charting songs. Listen as Carey & Mark walk through the magic that was Toy Matinee. 

Wings 4th album Venus & Mars had several hits, and although Medicine Jar didn't chart, it was nonetheless an excellent blues tune. Listen as Carey and Mark discuss the band lineup and more details of Paul McCartney's post-Beatles band. 

If you only think of Jessie's Girl when you hear of Rick Springfield, you're missing a wonderful catalog of music. From pop rock to darker themes, Mr. Springfield can rock with the best of them. World Start Turning is off his 1988 album Rock of Life. Join us as we talk about the song and the rest of his extensive recordings. 

The first Memphis band we've reviewed on the show, but certainly not the last. Ingram Hill had a couple of hits in the mid 2000's and were a very popular touring act. This episode spotlights their 2004 release On My Way. Sometimes lyrics don't necessarily mirror the tone of the tune and this is a classic example. 

It's almost summer and we've got just the track for listening around the pool or backyard patio. Kim Mitchell's 1987 album Shakin' Like A Human Being had many catchy tunes but none moreso than Patio Lanterns. Grab a sweet tea, your swimming trunks, and let's dance on the patio!

No one sounded like Steely Dan, especially on rock and roll radio. Their 1976 album The Royal Scam, featured 9 jazz/rock songs including this episode's Don't Take Me Alive. With a who's who of studio musicians, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen crafted well-written songs which stand the test of time. 

Jude Cole's 1990 album A View From 3rd Street produced his first and only top 20 song with "Baby It's Tonight". Clean production, tight vocals and a well-crafted pop song made for a successful chart climber and is not the only great song on the album. Listen as Mark & Carey talk about what Jude's doing today and who he started a record company with!

Not only is Brad Paisley a great guitarist, he's written some of the most clever songs to hit the airwaves. Join Mark & Carey as they discuss Brad's Working On A Tan from the 2011 album This Is Country Music. 

You may remember Gerry Rafferty from Steeler's Wheel or from his solo work including Baker Street and Right Down The Line. Gerry also had album cuts that were lesser known but still amazing tracks. Join Mark & Carey as they discuss Rafferty's Days Gone Down from the 1979 album Night Owl. 

First introduced as an opening act, Welshly Arms has captivated audiences and produced amazing albums. One of their lesser known songs is Love in a Minor Key. Listen as Carey and Mark discuss the band, albums and live shows. 

Before Eric Martin was the lead singer for Mr Big he enjoyed a successful stint as the leader of his own band. Based in Southern California his band was well-known for catchy hooks and excellent musicianship. In this episode we will discuss the title track to his one and only album with the Eric Martin Band.